Bike rebate petition in California

The latest Cycleicious post is interesting.

http://www.cyclelicio.us/2016/america/

It references a petition in California to extend that state's clean vehicle rebate to bikes:

http://www.fixcaliforniaroads.org/arbletter?recruiter_id=1411

Seems like such a rebate might be a worthwhile exercise elsewhere, like in Illinois.

Cheers...

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on February 17, 2016 at 11:29am

It'd be pretty great if they did make that incentive. Not only great for the environment, great for working towards a healthier society and of course, this would be very positive for the bike industry.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Lazzaro on February 17, 2016 at 3:03pm

The petition seeks rebates for "...cargo bikes, electric bikes, folding bikes, bike share, and other utilitarian bicycles used for everyday transportation." One part of the program would rebate half the cost of the bike, up to $500.

Almost any bike can be used for 'everyday transportation'. But how would this program ensure they get used that way? I could see this money buying a lot of bikes for recreational riders who will rarely or never use them for transportation. While recreational riding is fun and healthy, it really doesn't do anything to reduce pollution, which I believe is the objective of the clean vehicle rebates.

I do believe that there is societal benefit in reducing auto use, especially when it is replaced by cheap and non-polluting walking or biking. But I'm not sure subsidizing private bike purchases will do this. Subsidized bike share memberships would seem like a better bet.